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Mr Sharrock was left wounded with severe burns to his hands and face - but luckily cheated death as he and one other crew member survived the attack, while three of the other crew including the driver were sadly killed.

The grateful former conscript was originally appointed to the role of driving the tank - until a last minute swap in roles saw him appoint to the radio operator's seat instead - which seemingly saved his life.

She explained: "Dad was in a Sherman tank which managed to avoid enemy fire and headed for the town of Caen in Normandy.

If he had been driving, he would have been killed

Bernard Sharrock's daughter Kathryn

"The landscape was very difficult because there were high hedges obscuring the view of the enemy. Things went very wrong and a Panzer blew up the tank which caught fire.

"He was fairly high up so he could scramble out just in time but he lost at least three good pals.

"What made it even more amazing was the fact he should have been driving the tank but that day they swapped and he was the radio operator. If he had been driving, he would have been killed.

"Despite his burns he managed to find his way across several fields until he reached a road where a field ambulance grabbed him and threw him in the back.

World War II: Unseen pictures

Tue, January 27, 2015

These US Army images appeared to be lost in time but photographer Levi Bettweiser bought 31 rusty reels from an auction in Ohio, USA. The shots, which have been identified as locations across the UK, including Boston Harbour, Lucky Strike Beach and LaHavre Harbour thanks to labels on the reels, shed new light on wartime life for US soldiers.

More than 30 Second World War pictures have finally been developed - 70 years after the end of the conflict.

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Mr Sharrock was supported by friends and family at the ceremony

And insisting that the memory still plays on her father's mind 72 years on, she added: "These memories have stayed with him all his life and he has always remembered everything from the war."

Supporters of the brave war veteran flocked to watch the proud moment of Bernard collecting his British George cross-type award.

He was met by fellow family members, friends, members of the armed forces and pupils from a local school who also showed their appreciation for his deserving moment.

Councillor Conway said: "I feel really honoured to have been able to present Bernard with his well-deserved Legion d'Honneur medal.

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Bernard Sharrock was pleased with his award for his bravery

"For many years D-Day veterans have been awarded the Legion d'honneur by the French Government as a way of honouring those who fought to secure France's liberation during World War Two, and we are really proud that Bernard has been recognised."

Further celebrations of his award were followed at Bernard's current residential home in his hometown where he was given a celebration cake for his amazing efforts.

Lorraine Harris - an Ancliffe activity supporter who supports Bernard - said: "He's had a really good afternoon. We are all made up for Bernard."